Cab thief steps on the gas

London's only gas-powered licensed cab has been stolen. The vehicle would, if widely adopted, help clean up the capital's fume-filled streets.

Its owner, Dov Reichmann, says he does not know if the theft was for industrial espionage, by a joy-rider or cab driver stripped of his licence.

Mr Reichmann says is it not unknown for a cabbie to steal someone else's vehicle, use it to make a fast buck for a month or two while not paying overheads, then dump it.

Mr Reichmann, who runs a taxi firm in Hackney, is desperate to get the taxi back. So is the driver, Sid Gilbey, who was almost in tears when he found the car had gone last Tuesday.

Mr Reichmann's company, Taxi Group, have the UK rights for marketing the new gas power convertors which are manufactured in America. One of the pounds 2,000 kits had been fitted to a traditional diesel cab, allowing the driver to switch between diesel or gas.

The cab is bright red and covered in stickers advertising Computer Fuel Systems, a subsidiary of Taxi Group which markets the convertor.

'It is very exciting technology,' said Mr Reichmann. The system is governed by a microprocessor which can be adjusted to improve performance. 'Losing the car is a bit of a set-back, but we haven't lost the technology.'

Supplies of natural gas will last 100 years longer than other liquid fuels and the technology could go some way to improving air quality. The natural gas-powered engine drastically reduces the black smoke emitted from diesel engines. It emits 70 per cent less carbon monoxide, 30 per cent less carbon dioxide, no lead and virtually no particles.

But according to the National Society for Clean Air, the methane in natural gas is one of the gases causing the greenhouse effect.

Although the technology to convert petrol engines to natural gas is not new, this is the first time it has been possible to convert diesel engines. The kit

can be fitted and removed as necessary.

The thief could be driving around in the cab without knowing about the gas power, as the engine was switched to diesel when it was stolen.

The cab's registration number is K603 LMG. Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt Martin Davis at Shoreditch police station on 071-488 5311.